Glutamine

Molecular Formula

C5H10N2O3

Molar Mass

146.14 g/mol

Glutamine_simple.png


HIstorical Background/Story of Discovery

Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids found in animal proteins. Its structure is identical to that of glutamic acid, except that the acidic side-chain carbonyl group of glutamine has been coupled with ammonia, yielding an amide. Once glutamine is incorporated into proteins, its relatively unreactive side-chain amide participates in very few reactions. Glutamine is not essential to the human diet, since it can be synthesized in the body from the glutamic acid. Glutamine was isolated from beet juice in 1883, but was not isolated from a protein until 1932; it was chemically synthesized in 1933. (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia)

Where Is It Found?

Glutamine was first discovered by Schulze in 1883, who managed to isolate it from beet juice. Later on, it turned out that glutamine can in abundance in a wheat gliadin. Finally, in 1935, the synthesis of glutamine from ammonium and glutamate was explained and described by Krebs, who used the guinea pig and the rat kidney in his research.

Melting Point/Boiling Point

Melting Point: 390.2 degrees F (185 degrees C)
Boiling Point: 401 degrees F (205 degrees C)

Density

Density: 1.46 g/cm3

Percent Composition

By Mass

H= 6.897%
C=41.092%
O=32.843%
N=19.168%

Type of Bonding

The hydrogen-bonding ability of the amino acid glutamine revealed by neutron diffraction experiments

Chemical Properties/Reaction Tendencies

Chemical Properties: Neutral (amides of amino acids R-group)
Physical Properties: Polar (uncharged)

Uses/Importance

Some uses of glutamine include improving the well-being in people with traumatic injuries and treating weight loss and intestinal problems in people with HIV. It is also used to counter the side effects of medical treatments.

3-D Model

To find the 3-D model on a MAC you must follow these steps.
  1. Upload your .pdb or .mol file and add to your page as an attachment.
  2. Direct users to save the file and open with iMol.






Zach


http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/glutamine.html
http://www.aminoacidsguide.com/Gln.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-878-GLUTAMINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=878&activeIngredientName=GLUTAMINE
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23083424